DEFENCE

Armed Forces Chaplains

Ivor Caplin: The armed forces attach importance to supporting the spiritual development of their personnel and to facilitating, where possible, religious observance. The service chaplaincy services have a long and distinguished record of caring for service personnel. However, existing chaplains are drawn exclusively from Christian denominations, and although they provide valuable moral, pastoral and welfare support to all service personnel, they are not able to provide spiritual support to those of faiths other than Christian.
	I have therefore been considering, in close consultation with the faith community representatives on the Ministry of Defence's religious advisory panel, how best we might enhance our provision for the spiritual support of personnel and their families from faith communities other than Christian. This reflects the increasing diversity of service personnel, and our desire to provide an environment which welcomes and encourages people throughout society to join, and stay with, the armed forces.
	These consultations have resulted in a decision to recruit civilian chaplains to the armed forces from the Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Sikh faiths, which are those, other than Christian, most represented within the armed forces. These chaplains will be MOD civil servants, but will be integrated into the existing service chaplaincy organisations.
	Existing longstanding arrangements under which the Jewish community provides an honorary chaplain to the armed forces will continue for the time being, but it is expected that in due course a further civilian chaplain will be recruited to bring the arrangements in line with those for the other faiths.
	Advertisements for these four posts will appear in the national press on Thursday 16 December, and in appropriate faith media at the closest convenient date. The relevant faith communities will participate fully in the selection process that will follow in the new year.

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER

Regional Housing Investment

Keith Hill: I am announcing today the publication of a consultation paper concerning the regional split of funds for housing investment by local authorities and housing associations allocated through regional housing pots.
	The sustainable communities plan introduced new arrangements for allocation for mainstream funding to support housing investment. Under these new arrangements allocations are increasingly being directed to address strategic regional priorities based on advice from regional housing boards.
	The split of such investment funding between the nine English regions has for many years been allocated on a largely formulaic basis. The paper seeks views on our proposal that the split continues to be made on a formulaic basis, but the formula itself be simplified and linked more directly to the Government's housing objectives and associated public service agreement targets on balancing supply and demand (PSA5) and on decent homes (PSA7).
	Consultation will run until 4 February 2005. Copies of the consultation paper have been made available in the Libraries of both Houses and it is available on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister's website.

HEALTH

SSRIs

Rosie Winterton: My noble Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health (Lord Warner) made the following Written Ministerial Statement on 6 December 2004.
	Following interest in both Houses about the issues surrounding the safety of selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), this statement informs the House of the completion of the United Kingdom review of SSRIs and the publication today of the report. The Committee on Safety of Medicine (CSM) expert working group has now delivered comprehensive advice on the use of these drugs in children, young people and adults following a thorough review of all the evidence available. This gives parents, patients and those who treat depressive illnesses the information they need to make informed decisions about treatment of these potentially devastating conditions.
	In 2003 an expert working group of the CSM was set up to consider further the safety of SSRIs, with particular reference to suicidal behaviour and withdrawal reactions. The expert group has examined all the evidence available from a wide range of sources, including a specific objective to listen to the patient viewpoint. The expert group has already reached conclusions on the use of SSRIs in children and the Government have published its findings. This latest report focuses on the use of SSRIs in adults. The work of this group is now complete and a comprehensive account of this work is being published today. In short, it concludes that:
	there should be strengthened warnings on coming off SSRIs at the end of a course of treatment and how to minimise the risk of experiencing a withdrawal reaction
	there should be specific advice on using the recommended dose of the SSRI because for the majority of SSRIs in depression, clinical trial data do not show an additional benefit above the lowest recommended dose
	there should be clearer advice on what is known about the risk of suicide and suicidal behaviour—while clinical trial data cannot rule out a modest increase in the risk compared
	to placebo, there is now good evidence from large population studies that there is no clear increase in the risk of suicide in relation to SSRIs compared to other antidepressants
	there is no clear evidence of an increased risk of self-harm and suicidal thoughts in young adults of 18 years or over. But individuals mature at different rates and young adults are at a higher background risk of suicidal behaviour than older adults, so as a precautionary measure young adults treated with SSRIs should be closely monitored. The expert group also recommended that in further research on the safety and efficacy of SSRIs young adults should be assessed separately.
	The CSM has also recommended that treatment with venlafaxine (Efexor) should only be initiated by specialists and that there should be in place arrangements for ongoing supervision of the patient.
	The report includes the key evidence on which the advice of the expert working group is based, including summaries of clinical trials submitted by companies at the MHRA's request. This unusual step demonstrates the MHRA's commitment to being as open as possible in drug regulation.
	The report of the expert group is being published alongside guidelines from the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) on depression and anxiety. In this way, the new advice of CSM can feed directly into clinical practice. Copies of the expert group's report and the NICE guidelines have been placed in the Library.
	Communications to patients and prescribers are taking place today and copies of these materials have also been placed in the Library. SSRIs are an important group of medicines, which help patients who suffer depressive illness. The health benefits of SSRIs in adults are still considered to outweigh the risk of adverse drug reactions. Patients currently taking venlafaxine should not stop taking their medicine but should consult their doctor for advice on treatment as should patients taking other SSRIs who are experiencing any side effects or are concerned about their treatment.

HOME DEPARTMENT

Incitement to Religious Hatred

David Blunkett: I am pleased to be able to give the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill its second reading today.
	Part IV of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Bill contains provisions to combat the activities of the extremists within our community who stir up hatred against groups targeted because of their religious beliefs, or lack of religious beliefs, as well as those targeted on racial grounds.
	Evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on Religious Offences in 2003 highlighted the need for such protection and we have had ample further examples of that need since. We need to combat the extremists who stir up such hatred so that people can be free to practice their religion without fear. When people hate others because of their race or religious beliefs it is often manifested; this might be in the commission of subsequent crimes motivated by hate, or in abuse, discrimination or prejudice. The reactions vary from person to person, but all hatred has a detrimental effect on both individual victims and society as a whole.
	These measures build on the protection already afforded by the existing incitement to racial hatred offences by amending the offences in Part III of the Public Order Act 1986 to also protect people targeted because of their religious beliefs or lack of religious beliefs. They will make it an offence for a person to use words or behaviour or material that they know are threatening, abusive or insulting, and which are intended or likely to stir up hatred against the target of those threats, abuse or insults.
	Here are two examples of situations where, taking into account all the circumstances, the prosecuting authorities would consider taking action under the new offence:
	In response to an extreme racist organisation widely distributing material setting out a range of insulting and highly inflammatory reasons for hating Islam. Such reasons have included suggesting that Muslims are a threat to British people and liable to molest women and that they should be urgently driven out of Britain.
	and
	In response to extremists within a faith community making repeated threatening statements stirring up followers to look for ways to make trouble for unbelievers saying that God would never ever allow unbelievers to be pleased with them and created them to be enemies.
	These measures will be applied with equity, protecting people of varied religious beliefs and of none. They will provide a powerful response and a strong deterrent to extreme political and racist individuals and organisations who target people because of their religious beliefs and also to religious extremists who stir up hatred of others because they do not share their religious beliefs.
	The Government are committed to the preservation of the right to legitimate freedom of speech and freedom of religion. This includes the right to engage in free and vigorous debate about religion, including the right to criticise religious beliefs and practices. The Government also recognise that proselytism is an integral activity for many faith communities. Such debate, criticism and proselytism can be undertaken without using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour that is intended or likely to stir up hatred. Expressions of antipathy or dislike of particular religions or their adherents can also be made without crossing the thresholds of the offence. This provision will not restrict but protect people's legitimate freedom to practise their religion without fear.
	The provisions do not make any blanket exceptions, for example, for any activity which may be presented as a religious activity or for the recitation of any passage from sacred texts. This is because, although the vast majority of such activities would not meet any part of the thresholds for this offence, in extreme circumstances it is, for example, possible to quote or misquote passages of sacred texts out of context so that they become threatening, abusive or insulting and intended or likely to stir up hatred. Such activities would rightly be caught by the scope of the offence. Nor do the provisions define all the terms of the offence. This is deliberate and will provide the enforcement agencies with the flexibility to ensure that these offences make a full contribution in combating hate-mongering in all its various forms and contexts.
	The proposals retain the high thresholds and necessary safeguards contained in the existing incitement to racial hatred provision. The primary safeguards are contained in the offence itself. It has a two-part structure which examines not only the content of the words, behaviour, written material, recordings or programmes, which must be threatening, abusive or insulting, but also examines the effect of the material which must be intended or likely to stir up racial or religious hatred.
	"Religious hatred" is defined as "hatred against a group of persons defined by reference to religious belief or lack of religious belief". Accordingly, the offence will capture only those activities which stir up hatred of a group of people defined by their beliefs or lack of religious beliefs. It is not a new blasphemy law and will protect people rather than ideologies.
	Hatred is a strong term, relating to an extreme emotion. The offences will not criminalise material that just stirs up ridicule, prejudice, dislike, contempt or anger or which simply causes offence. A further safeguard in the legislation is that a person who does not intend to stir up hatred is not guilty of an offence if they did not know that their words, behaviour, written material, recording or programmes were threatening, abusive or insulting. Furthermore the offences do not apply to anything that takes place in one's own home. All prosecutions require the consent of the Attorney-General, which will prevent the offences being misused through private prosecutions.
	Of themselves, the following would not be caught by the offence:
	criticising the beliefs, teachings or practices of a religion or its followers; for example by claiming that they are false or harmful;
	proselytising one's own religion or urging followers of a different religion to cease practising theirs; for example Christians claiming that Jesus Christ is the way the truth, the life and the only way to God, Muslims exhorting people to submit to the will of Allah, or Atheists claiming that there is no God;
	telling jokes about religions;
	expressing antipathy or dislike of particular religions or their adherents.
	Of themselves these activities do not meet the criteria of the offences. However if a person were to use threatening, abusive or insulting words, actions or material with the intent or likely effect that hatred would be stirred up whilst undertaking the actions listed above, then by definition, they could rightly fall into the scope of the offence.
	These measures accord with, and will operate in the light of, the guarantees afforded by the European Convention on Human Rights and the Human Rights Act 1998. Under the Human Rights Act any Court in interpreting legislation, including these offences, must do so in a way that is compatible with the rights under the European Convention. With these offences the rights in play are going to be Article 9, the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and Article 10, the right to freedom of expression. In interpreting these offences the Court will have to consider both of these rights and, if necessary, balance one against the other. Article 9 states that everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and that this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief, in worship, teaching, practice and observance. It also states that freedom to manifest one's religion or beliefs may be subject to limitations prescribed by law and necessary in the interests of public safety, for the protection of public order and the rights and freedoms of others.
	Article 10 of the European Convention states that everyone has the right to freedom of expression and that this includes the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart information and ideas. Similarly it also states that the exercise of these freedoms, since it carries with it duties and responsibilities, may be subject to restrictions prescribed by law that are necessary in the interests of public safety, the prevention of disorder or crime and the protection of the reputation or rights of others.
	These offences are justifiable, necessary and proportionate measures for the prevention of disorder or crime and the protection of the rights of others; the need for which is reflected in these articles. Indeed because these provisions protect groups from hatred directed against them because of religious belief, they safeguard the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion enshrined in Article 9 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
	The Crown Prosecution Service will produce guidance on how these offences will be enforced but it is important that this guidance does not pre-empt the consideration of these proposals by Parliament. There will be consultation on that guidance as it is developed and it will be subject to regular review.
	With the support of my colleague, the Attorney-General, I make this statement as a matter of public record, which can be drawn upon in any future decisions taken by all the enforcement agencies, to clarify to all that this new measure will provide protection for those who need it without restricting legitimate freedom of speech and religion.

TRADE AND INDUSTRY

Nuclear Decommissioning Funding Account

Patricia Hewitt: I am making this statement as required by section 31(6) of the Energy Act 2004 ("the Act") to coincide with the issuing of the ministerial directions giving the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) its designated responsibilities under the Act. The statement reflects the transitional funding arrangements for the NDA that will be put in place to allow it to get on with its work during the EC Commission investigation into notified state aid to the NDA.
	In determining the amounts to be credited to the Nuclear Decommissioning Funding Account ("NDFA") under section 31(4)(c) of the Act, the following policy applies:
	Basis upon which determinations for the purposes of section 31(4)(c) are to be made
	1. Pending the outcome of the European Commission's investigation announced on 1 December 2004 into the UK Government's establishment of the NDA, the basis on which any determinations for the purposes of section 31(4)(c) are to be made will be to credit to the NDFA such amounts as are sufficient to provide a sound basis for funding the NDA's activities consistent with:
	(a) the requirement that no new state resources shall be made available to the NDA for operating, cleaning up or decommissioning in respect of any of the economic activities of the NDA which are the subject of the Commission's investigation; and
	(b) the requirement that no advantage shall be conferred on BNFL or its successor companies pending the outcome of the Commission's investigation, and in particular that the net asset position of BNFL and the group of companies of which it forms part must not be improved.
	2. The amount of any determination for the purposes of section 31(4)(c) in relation to any financial year shall be the sum of the following elements:
	(a) an amount equal to the value of any assets taken out of BNFL's existing resources comprising the nuclear liabilities investment portfolio ("NLIP") by way of any nuclear transfer scheme which takes effect under section 42 of the Act during that financial year;
	(b) in respect of the NDA's responsibilities in relation to sites operated by UKAEA as at the date of this statement, and nuclear liabilities for which responsibility is, as at the date of this statement, accepted by UKAEA, such amount as is appropriate within the Department of Trade and Industry's relevant expenditure limit;
	(c) in respect of the NDA's responsibilities in relation to nuclear liabilities for which responsibility was formerly accepted by the Ministry of Defence but is, as at the date of this statement, accepted by the Department of Trade and Industry, such amount as is appropriate within the Department of Trade and Industry's relevant expenditure limit.
	3. To the extent that the assets referred to in paragraph 2(a) above do not comprise cash, their value is to be determined as at the date upon which the transfer scheme whereby they are transferred takes effect.
	The minimum credit balance of the NDFA
	4. For the purposes of section 31(7)(b) of the Act, the minimum credit balance of the NDFA shall be £1.
	5. The basis on which this determination has been made is that the sums to be comprised in the determination in any financial year in accordance with paragraph 2 above (combined with any other amounts credited under section 31(4)(a), (c) or (d)) are expected to be sufficient to fund the NDA's activities during the financial year in question, but no more. It is intended that grants made under section 22(1) of the Act will be subject to conditions under section 22(2) which will restrict the use of sums drawn against the credits referred to in paragraphs 2(b) and (c) above to the matters respectively referred to in those paragraphs. To the extent that I conclude that further funding can and should be made available to the NDA in any given year (pending the outcome of the Commission's investigation) other than in respect of the matters referred to in paragraphs 2(b) and (c), further amounts will (if appropriate) be transferred from the NLIP and any determination which has been made under section 31(4)(c) of the Act will be revised such that corresponding credits will be made to the NDFA. Amounts equal to these credits will then be remitted to the NDA by way of grant under section 22(1) of the Act.
	6. The figure of £1 will allow the maximum amount to be remitted to the NDA by way of grant under section 22(1) of the Act while still leaving a credit balance in the account.
	Interpretation
	7. In this statement, unless the context otherwise requires, expressions defined in the Act have the meanings given to them by the Act.
	8. In addition, the following expressions have the following meanings:
	economic activities means the provision of services hitherto undertaken by companies in the BNFL group that might in principle have been provided by a private sector entity, given the existence of a commercial market place and the potential for profit making. NDA's responsibilities in relation to "economic activities" will include responsibilities in respect of economic nuclear liabilities; economic nuclear liabilities means those nuclear liabilities which exist or may come into existence in respect of sites operated as at the date of thisstatement by companies in the BNFL group, excluding those nuclear liabilities referred to in paragraphs 2(b) and (c) above.

WORK AND PENSIONS

Social Security Benefits Uprating

Alan Johnson: The proposed rates of benefit for 2005 are set out in the table below. The annual uprating of benefits will take place for state pension and most other benefits in the first full week of the tax year. In 2005, this will be the week beginning 11 April. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland proposes to introduce similar changes for Northern Ireland.
	
		
			  Rates Rates 
			 (Weekly rates unless otherwise shown) 2004 2005 
		
		
			 ATTENDANCE ALLOWANCE 
			 higher rate 58.80 60.60 
			 lower rate 39.35 40.55 
			 CARER'S ALLOWANCE 44.35 45.70 
			 COUNCIL TAX BENEFIT 
			 Personal allowances   
			 single 
			 18 to 24 44.05 44.50 
			 25 or over 55.65 56.20 
			 lone parent—18 or over 55.65 56.20 
			 couple—one or both over 18 87.30 88.15 
			 Dependent Children 
			 from birth to September following 16th birthday 42.27 43.88 
			 from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday 42.27 43.88 
			 Pensioner (from October 2003) 
			 single/lone parent—60–64 105.45 109.45 
			 couple—one or both 60–64 160.95 167.05 
			 single/lone parent—65 and over 121.00 125.90 
			 couple—one or both 65 and over 181.20 188.60 
			 Premiums 
			 family 15.95 16.10 
			 family (lone parent rate) 22.20 22.20 
			 child under 1 10.50 10.50 
			 pensioner 
			 single 49.80 53.25 
			 couple 73.65 78.90 
			 pensioner (enhanced) 
			 single 49.80 53.25 
			 couple 73.65 78.90 
			 pensioner (higher) 
			 single 49.80 53.25 
			 couple 73.65 78.90 
			 disability 
			 single 23.70 23.95 
			 couple 33.85 34.20 
			 enhanced disability premium single rate 11.60 11.70 
			 disabled child rate 17.08 17.71 
			 couple rate 16.75 16.90 
			 severe disability 
			 single 44.15 45.50 
			 couple (lower rate) 44.15 45.50 
			 couple (higher rate) 88.30 91.00 
			 disabled child 42.49 43.89 
			 carer 25.55 25.80 
			 bereavement 23.95 25.85 
			 Allowance for personal expenses for claimantsin hospital 
			 higher rate 19.90 20.50 
			 lower rate 15.90 16.40 
			 Non-dependant deductions aged 18 or over and in remunerative work 
			 — gross income: £322 or more 6.95 6.95 
			 — gross income: £258–£321.99 5.80 5.80 
			 — gross income: £150–£257.99 4.60 4.60 
			 — gross income less than £150 2.30 2.30 
			 others, aged 18 or over 2.30 2.30 
			 Alternative maximum Council Tax Benefit second adult on IS, JSA(ib) or Pension Credit 25% ofCouncilTax 25% ofCouncilTax 
			 second adult's gross income: 
			 — under £150 15% ofCouncilTax 15% ofCouncilTax 
			 — £150 to £193.99 7.5% ofCouncilTax 7.5% ofCouncilTax 
			 Capital 
			 upper limit 16,000.00 16,000.00 
			 amount disregarded 3,000.00 3,000.00 
			 upper limit (claimant/partner 60 or over) 16,000.00 16,000.00 
			 upper limit (PC guarantee) from Oct 2003 No limit No limit 
			 amount disregarded (claiment/partner 60 or over) 6,000.00 6,000.00 
			 child disregard 3,000.00 3,000.00 
			 upper limit of RC/NH 16,000.00 16,000.00 
			 amount disregarded of RC/NH 10,000.00 10,000.00 
			 Tariff income 
			 £1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit 
			 Tariff income (claimant/partner 60 or over) from October 2003 
			 £1 for every £500 or part thereof between amount of capital disregard and capital upper limit 
			 Earnings disregards 
			 where disability premium awarded 20.00 20.00 
			 various specified employments 20.00 20.00 
			 lone parent 25.00 25.00 
			 where the claimant has a partner 10.00 10.00 
			 single claimant 5.00 5.00 
			 where carer premium awarded 20.00 20.00 
			 childcare charges 135.00 175.00 
			 childcare charges (2 or more children) 200.00 300.00 
			 Other income disregards 
			 maintenance disregard 15.00 15.00 
			 war disablement pension and war widow's pension 10.00 10.00 
			 Armed Forces Compensation Scheme  10.00 
			 certain voluntary and charitable payments 20.00 20.00 
			 student loan 10.00 10.00 
			 student's covenanted income 5.00 5.00 
			 income from boarders: disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus 50% of the balance ofthe charge 20.00 20.00 
			 30/16 hour disregard 12.32 14.50 
			 Expenses for subtenants 
			 furnished or unfurnished 4.00 4.00 
			 where heating is included, additional 9.80 10.55 
			 DEPENDENCY INCREASES 
			 Adult Dependency Increases for spouse or person looking after children, with; 
			 state pension on own insurance, 47.65 49.15 
			 long term incapacity benefit, unemployability supplement 44.35 45.70 
			 severe disablement allowance 26.65 27.50 
			 carers allowance 26.50 27.30 
			 short-term incapacity benefit if beneficiary over state pension age 42.65 43.95 
			 maternity allowance/short-term incapacity benefit 34.60 35.65 
			 Child Dependency Increases, with; 
			 state pension, widowed mothers allowance, widowed parents allowance, short-term incapacity benefit at the higher rate and long term incapacity benefit, carers allowance, severe disability allowance, higher rate industrial death benefit, unemployability supplement and short-term incapacity benefit if beneficiary over pension age 11.35 11.35 
			 NB—The Overlapping Benefits Regulations provide for the rate of child dependency increases to be adjusted where the increase is payable for the eldest eligible child for whom Child Benefit is also payable. The weekly rate of the increase is reduced by the differential (less £3.65 from April 2004) between the rate of Child Benefit payable for the oldest eligible child and that payable for a subsequent child. 
			 DISABILITY LIVING ALLOWANCE 
			 Care Component 
			 Highest 58.80 60.60 
			 Middle 39.35 40.55 
			 Lowest 15.55 16.05 
			 Mobility Component 
			 Higher 41.05 42.30 
			 Lower 15.55 16.05 
			 EARNINGS RULES 
			 Carers Allowance 79.00 82.00 
			 Limit of earnings from councillor's allowance 72.00 78.00 
			 Permitted work earnings limit 72.00 78.00 
			 Industrial injuries unemployability supplement permitted earnings level (annual amount) 3,744.00 4,056.00 
			 Adult dependency increases with short-term incapacity benefit where claimant is 
			 (a) under state pension age 34.60 35.65 
			 (b) over pension age 42.65 43.95 
			 maternity allowance 34.60 35.65 
			 state pension, long-term incapacity benefit, severe disablement allowance, unemployability supplement where dependant 
			 (a) is living with claimant 55.65 56.20 
			 (b) still qualifies for the tapered earnings rule 45.09 45.09 
			 state pension, 47.65 49.15 
			 long-term incapacity benefit and unemployability supplement where dependant not living with claimant 44.35 45.70 
			 severe disablement allowance where dependant not living with claimant 26.65 27.50 
			 carers allowance 26.50 27.30 
			 Child dependency increases level at which CDIs are affected by earnings of claimant's spouse or partner 
			 for first child 165.00 170.00 
			 for each subsequent child 21.00 22.00 
			 HOSPITAL DOWNRATING 
			 20% rate 15.90 16.40 
			 38% rate 30.25 31.20 
			 HOUSING BENEFIT 
			 Personal allowances 
			 single 
			 16 to 24 44.05 44.50 
			 25 or over 55.65 56.20 
			 lone parent 
			 under 18 44.05 44.50 
			 18 or over 55.65 56.20 
			 couple 
			 both under 18 66.50 67.15 
			 one or both 18 or over 87.30 88.15 
			 dependent children 
			 from birth to September following16th birthday 42.27 43.88 
			 from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday 42.27 43.88 
			 pensioner (from October 2003) 
			 single lone parent—60–64 105.45 109.45 
			 couple—one or both 60–64 160.95 167.05 
			 single/lone parent—65 and over 121.00 125.90 
			 couple—one or both 65 and over 181.20 188.60 
			 Premiums 
			 family 15.95 16.10 
			 family (lone parent rate) 22.20 22.20 
			 child under 1 10.50 10.50 
			 pensioner 
			 single 49.80 53.25 
			 couple 73.65 78.90 
			 pensioner (enhanced) 
			 single 49.80 53.25 
			 couple 73.65 78.90 
			 pensioner (higher) 
			 single 49.80 53.25 
			 couple 73.65 78.90 
			 disability 
			 single 23.70 23.95 
			 couple 33.85 16.90 
			 enhanced disability premium single rate 11.60 11.70 
			 disabled child rate 17.08 17.71 
			 couple rate 16.75 16.90 
			 severe disability 
			 single 44.15 45.50 
			 couple (lower rate) 44.15 45.50 
			 couple (higher rate) 88.30 91.00 
			 disabled child 42.49 43.89 
			 carer 25.55 25.80 
			 bereavement 23.95 25.85 
			 Allowance for personal expenses for claimants in hospital 
			 higher rate 19.90 20.50 
			 lower rate 15.90 16.40 
			 Non-dependant deductions, rent rebates and allowances, aged 25 and over, in receipt of Income Support or income-based Job Seekers Allowance aged 18 or over, not in remunerative work 
			 — gross income less than £101 7.40 7.40 
			 aged 18 or over and in remunerative work 
			 — gross income: less than £101 7.40 7.40 
			 — gross income: £101 to £149.99 17.00 17.00 
			 — gross income: £150 to £193.99 23.35 23.35 
			 — gross income: £194 to £257.99 38.20 38.20 
			 — gross income: £258 to £321.99 43.50 43.50 
			 — gross income: £322 and above 47.75 47.75 
			 Service charges for fuel 
			 heating 9.80 10.55 
			 hot water 1.20 1.25 
			 lighting 0.80 0.85 
			 cooking 1.20 1.25 
			 Amount ineligible for meals 
			 three or more meals a day 
			 single claimant 19.85 20.05 
			 each person in family aged 16 or over 19.85 20.05 
			 each child under 16 10.05 10.15 
			 less than three meals a day 
			 single claimant 13.20 13.35 
			 each person in family aged 16 or over 13.20 13.35 
			 each child under 16 6.55 6.70 
			 breakfast only—claimant and each memberof family 2.45 2.45 
			 Capital 
			 upper limit 16,000.00 16,000.00 
			 amount disregarded 3,000.00 3,000.00 
			 upper limit (claimant/partner 60 or over) 16,000.00 16,000.00 
			 upper limit (PC guarantee) from Oct 2003 No limit No limit 
			 amount disregarded (claimant/partner 60or over) 6,000.00 6,000.00 
			 child disregard 3,000.00 3,000.00 
			 upper limit of RC/NH 16,000.00 16,000.00 
			 amount disregarded of RC/NH 10,000.00 10,000.00 
			 Tariff income 
			 £1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit 
			 Tariff income (claimant/partner 60 or over) from Oct 2003 
			 £1 for every £500 or part thereof between amount of capital disregard and capital upper limit 
			 Earnings disregards 
			 where disability premium awarded 20.00 20.00 
			 various specified employments 20.00 20.00 
			 lone parent 25.00 25.00 
			 where the claimant has a partner 10.00 10.00 
			 single claimant 5.00 5.00 
			 where carer premium awarded 20.00 20.00 
			 childcare charges 135.50 175.00 
			 childcare charges (2 or more children) 200.00 300.00 
			 Other income disregards 
			 maintenance disregard 15.00 15.00 
			 war disablement pension and war widow's pension 10.00 10.00 
			 Armed Forces Compensation Scheme  10.00 
			 certain voluntary and charitable payments 20.00 20.00 
			 student loan 10.00 10.00 
			 student's covenanted income 5.00 5.00 
			 income from boarders: disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus 50% of the balance of the charge 20.00 20.00 
			 30/16 hour disregard 12.32 14.50 
			 Expenses for subtenants 
			 furnished or unfurnished 4.00 4.00 
			 where heating is included, additional 9.80 10.55 
			 Maximium rates for recovery of overpayments 
			 ordinary overpayments 8.40 8.55 
			 where claimant convicted of fraud 11.20 11.20 
			 INCAPACITY BENEFIT 
			 Long-term Incapacity Benefit 74.15 76.45 
			 Short-term Incapacity Benefit (under pension age) 
			 lower rate 55.90 57.65 
			 higher rate 66.15 68.20 
			 Short-term Incapacity Benefit (over state pension age) 
			 lower rate 71.15 73.35 
			 higher rate 74.15 76.45 
			 Increase of Long-term Incapacity Benefit for age 
			 higher rate 15.55 16.05 
			 lower rate 7.80 8.05 
			 Invalidity Allowance (Transitional) 
			 higher rate 15.55 16.05 
			 middle rate 10.00 10.30 
			 lower rate 5.00 5.15 
			 INCOME SUPPORT 
			 Personal Allowances 
			 single 
			 under 18—usual rate 33.50 33.85 
			 under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances 44.05 44.50 
			 18 to 24 44.05 44.50 
			 25 or over 55.65 56.20 
			 lone parent 
			 under 18—usual rate 33.50 33.85 
			 under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances 44.05 44.50 
			 18 or over 55.65 56.20 
			 couple 
			 both under 18 33.50 33.85 
			 both under 18, one disabled 44.05 44.50 
			 both under 18, with responsibility for a child 66.50 67.15 
			 one under 18, one 18–24 44.05 44.50 
			 one under 18, one 25+ 55.65 56.20 
			 both 18 or over 87.30 88.15 
			 dependent children 
			 birth to September following 16th birthday 42.27 43.88 
			 from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday 42.27 43.88 
			 Premiums 
			 family 15.95 16.10 
			 family (lone parent rate) 15.95 16.10 
			 pensioner couple 73.65 78.90 
			 pensioner (enhanced) couple 73.65 78.90 
			 pensioner (higher) couple 73.65 78.90 
			 disability 
			 single 23.70 23.95 
			 couple 33.85 34.20 
			 enhanced disability premium single rate 11.60 11.70 
			 disabled child rate 17.08 17.71 
			 couple rate 16.75 16.90 
			 severe disability 
			 single 44.15 45.50 
			 couple (lower rate) 44.15 45.50 
			 couple (higher rate) 88.30 91.00 
			 disabled child 42.49 43.89 
			 carer 25.55 25.80 
			 bereavement 23.95 25.85 
			 Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in hospital: 
			 higher rate 19.90 20.50 
			 lower rate 15.90 16.40 
			 Housing costs 
			 deduction for non-dependants aged 25 and over, in receipt of Income Support or income-based Job Seekers Allowance aged 18 or over, not in work 7.40 7.40 
			 aged 18 or over and in remunerative work 
			 — gross income: less than £101 7.40 7.40 
			 — gross income: £101 to £149.99 17.00 17.00 
			 — gross income: £150 to £193.99 23.35 23.35 
			 — gross income: £194 to £257.99 38.20 38.20 
			 — gross income: £258 to £321.99 43.50 43.50 
			 — gross income: £322 and above 47.75 47.75 
			 Deduction for direct payments, arrears of housing, fuel and water costs, council tax and fines default, and 2.80 2.85 
			 Deductions for child maintenance (standard) 5.60 5.70 
			 Deductions for child maintenance (lower) 2.80 2.85 
			 Arrears of Community Charge 
			 court order against claimant 2.80 2.85 
			 court order against couple 4.40 4.45 
			 Third party deductions personal expenses allowance 18.10 18.80 
			 Maximium rates for recovery of overpayments 
			 ordinary overpayments 8.40 8.55 
			 where claimant convicted of fraud 11.20 11.20 
			 Reduction in benefit for strikers 30.00 30.50 
			 Capital 
			 upper limit 8,000.00 8,000.00 
			 amount disregarded 3,000.00 3,000.00 
			 upper limit (partner 60 or over) 12,000.00 12,000.00 
			 amount disregarded (partner 60 or over) 6,000.00 6,000.00 
			 child's limit 3,000.00 3,000.00 
			 upper limit (RC/NH) 16,000.00 16,000.00 
			 amount disregarded (RC/NH) 10,000.00 10,000.00 
			 Tariff income £1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit 
			 Disregards 
			 standard earnings 5.00 5.00 
			 couples earnings 10.00 10.00 
			 higher earnings 20.00 20.00 
			 war disablement pension and war widow's pension 10.00 10.00 
			 Armed Forces Compensation Scheme  10.00 
			 voluntary and charitable payments 20.00 20.00 
			 student loan 10.00 10.00 
			 student's covenanted income 5.00 5.00 
			 income from boarders: disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus 50% of the balance of the charge 20.00 20.00 
			 Expenses for subtenants, furnished or unfurnished 4.00 4.00 
			 where heating is included, additional 9.80 10.55 
			 INDUSTRIAL DEATH BENEFIT 
			 Widow's pension 
			 higher rate 79.60 82.05 
			 lower rate 23.88 24.62 
			 Widower's pension 79.60 82.05 
			 INDUSTRIAL INJURIES DISABLEMENT PENSION 
			 18 and over, or under 18 with dependants   
			 100% 120.10 123.80 
			 90% 108.09 111.42 
			 80% 96.08 99.04 
			 70% 84.07 86.66 
			 60% 72.06 74.28 
			 50% 60.05 61.90 
			 40% 48.04 49.52 
			 30% 36.03 37.14 
			 20% 24.02 24.76 
			 Under 18 
			 100% 73.55 75.85 
			 90% 66.20 68.27 
			 80% 58.84 60.68 
			 70% 51.49 53.10 
			 60% 44.13 45.51 
			 50% 36.78 37.93 
			 40% 29.42 30.34 
			 30% 22.07 22.76 
			 20% 14.71 15.17 
			 Maximum life gratuity (lump sum) 7,980.00 8,230.00 
			 Unemployability Supplement 74.15 76.45 
			 plus where appropriate an increase for early incapacity 
			 higher rate 15.55 16.05 
			 middle rate 10.00 10.30 
			 lower rate 5.00 5.15 
			 Maximum reduced earnings allowance 48.04 49.52 
			 Maximum retirement allowance 12.01 12.38 
			 Constant attendance allowance 
			 exceptional rate 96.20 99.20 
			 intermediate rate 72.15 74.40 
			 normal maximum rate 48.10 49.60 
			 part-time rate 24.05 24.80 
			 Exceptionally severe disablement allowance 48.10 49.60 
			 JOBSEEKER'S ALLOWANCE 
			 Contribution based JSA—Personal rates 
			 under 18 33.50 33.85 
			 18 to 24 44.05 44.50 
			 25 or over 55.65 56.20 
			 Income-based JSA—personal allowances 
			 under 18 33.50 33.85 
			 18 to 24 44.05 44.50 
			 25 or over 55.65 56.20 
			 lone parent 
			 under 18—usual rate 33.50 33.85 
			 under 18—higher rate payable in specific circumstances 44.05 44.50 
			 18 or over 55.65 56.20 
			 couple 
			 both under 18 33.50 33.85 
			 both under 18, one disabled 44.05 44.50 
			 both under 18, with responsibility for a child 66.50 67.15 
			 one under 18, one 18–24 44.05 44.50 
			 one under 18, one 25+ 55.65 56.20 
			 both 18 or over 87.30 88.15 
			 dependent children from birth to September following 16th birthday 42.27 43.88 
			 from September following 16th birthday to day before 19th birthday 42.27 43.88 
			 Premiums 
			 family 15.95 16.10 
			 family (lone parent rate) 15.95 16.10 
			 pensioner 
			 single 49.80 53.25 
			 couple 73.65 78.90 
			 pensioner (enhanced) couple 73.65 78.90 
			 pensioner (higher) 
			 single 49.80 53.25 
			 couple 73.65 78.90 
			 disability 
			 single 23.70 23.95 
			 couple 33.85 34.20 
			 enhanced disability premium single rate 11.60 11.70 
			 disabled child rate 17.08 17.71 
			 couple rate 16.75 16.90 
			 severe disability 
			 single 44.15 45.50 
			 couple (lower rate) 44.15 45.50 
			 couple (higher rate) 88.30 91.00 
			 disabled child 42.49 43.89 
			 carer 25.55 25.80 
			 bereavement 23.95 25.85 
			 Allowances for personal expenses for claimants in hospital 
			 higher rate 19.35 20.50 
			 lower rate 15.90 16.40 
			 Housing costs 
			 deduction for non-dependants aged 25 and over, in receipt of Income Support or income-based Job Seekers Allowance aged 18 or over, not in remunerative work 7.40 7.40 
			 aged 18 or over and in remunerative work 
			 — gross income: less than £101 7.40 7.40 
			 — gross income: £101 to £149.99 17.00 17.00 
			 — gross income: £150 to £193.99 23.35 23.35 
			 — gross income: £194 to £257.99 38.20 38.20 
			 — gross income: £258 to £321.99 43.50 43.50 
			 — gross income: £322 and above 47.75 47.75 
			 Deduction for direct payments 
			 Deductions from JSA (IB) arrears of housing, fuel and water costs, council tax and fines default, and 2.80 2.85 
			 Deductions for Child Maintenance 
			 deductions for child maintenance (standard) 5.60 5.70 
			 deductions for child maintenance (lower) 2.80 2.85 
			 Arrears of Community Charge 
			 court order against claimant 2.80 2.85 
			 court order against couple 4.40 4.45 
			 Third party deductions 
			 personal expenses allowance 18.10 18.80 
			 Deductions from JSA (continued) 
			 Arrears of Community Charge, Council Tax, fines and overpayment recovery 
			 Age 16–17 11.16 11.28 
			 Age 18–24 14.68 14.83 
			 Age 25 + 18.55 18.73 
			 Maximum deduction for arrears of Child Support Maintenance 
			 Age 16–17 11.16 11.28 
			 Age 18–24 14.68 14.83 
			 Age 25 + 18.55 18.73 
			 Maximium rates for recovery of overpayments in JSA(ib) 
			 ordinary overpayments 8.40 8.55 
			 where claimant convicted of fraud 11.20 11.20 
			 Reduction in benefit for strikers 30.00 30.50 
			 Capital 
			 upper limit 8,000.00 8,000.00 
			 amount disregarded 3,000.00 3,000.00 
			 child's limit 3,000.00 3,000.00 
			 upper limit (RC/NH) 16,000.00 16,000.00 
			 amount disregarded (RC/NH) 10,000.00 10,000.00 
			 upper limit (partner 60 or over) 12,000.00 12,000.00 
			 amount disregarded (partner 60 or over) 6,000.00 6,000.00 
			 Tariff income  
			 £1 for every complete £250 or part thereof between amount of capital disregarded and capital upper limit 
			 Disregards 
			 standard earnings 5.00 5.00 
			 couples earnings 10.00 10.00 
			 higher earnings 20.00 20.00 
			 war disablement pension and war widow's pension 10.00 10.00 
			 Armed Forces Compensation Scheme  10.00 
			 voluntary and charitable payments 20.00 20.00 
			 student loan 10.00 10.00 
			 student's covenanted income 5.00 5.00 
			 income from boarders: disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus 50% of the balance of the charge 20.00 20.00 
			 Expenses for subtenants 
			 furnished or unfurnished 4.00 4.00 
			 where heating is included, additional 9.80 10.55 
			 MATERNITY ALLOWANCE 
			 Standard rate 102.80 106.00 
			 MA threshold 30.00 30.00 
			 PENSION CREDIT 
			 Standard minimum guarantee 
			 single 105.45 109.45 
			 couple 160.95 167.05 
			 Additional amount for severe disability 
			 single 44.15 45.50 
			 couple (one qualifies) 44.15 45.50 
			 couple (both qualify) 88.30 91.00 
			 Additional amount for carers 25.55 25.80 
			 Savings credit 
			 threshold—single 79.60 82.05 
			 threshold—couple 127.25 131.20 
			 maximum—single 15.51 16.44 
			 maximum—couple 20.22 21.51 
			 Capital 
			 Amount disregard 6,000.00 6,000.00 
			 Amount disregard—care homes 10,000.00 10,000.00 
			 Deemed income  
			 £1 for each complete £500 or part thereof in excess of above amounts 
			 Housing costs 
			 Deduction for non-dependents 
			 — aged 18 or over, not in work or in work and in receipt of Pension Credit 7.40 7.40 
			 — aged 18 or over and in work: 
			 aged 18 or over and in remunerative work 
			 — gross income: less than £101 7.40 7.40 
			 — gross income: £101 to £149.99 17.00 17.00 
			 — gross income: £150 to £193.99 23.35 23.35 
			 — gross income: £194 to £257.99 38.20 38.20 
			 — gross income: £258 to £321.99 43.50 43.50 
			 — gross income: £322 and above 47.75 47.75 
			 Amount for claimant and first spouse in polygamous marriage 160.95 167.05 
			 Additional amount for additional spouse 55.50 57.60 
			 Disregards 
			 Standard earnings 5.00 5.00 
			 Couples earnings 10.00 10.00 
			 Higher earnings 20.00 20.00 
			 War disablement pension and War widows pension 10.00 10.00 
			 Armed Forces Compensation Scheme  10.00 
			 Widowed Parent's Allowance 10.00 10.00 
			 Income from subtenants 20.00 20.00 
			 Income from boarders (disregard the fixed amount (£20) plus 50% of the balance of the charge) 20.00 20.00 
			 Third Party Deductions 
			 arrears of housing, fuel, water costs, council tax and fines default 2.80 2.85 
			 Arrears of Community Charge 
			 court order against claimant 2.80 2.85 
			 court order against couple 4.40 4.45 
			 Maximum rates of recovery of overpayments 
			 — ordinary overpayments 8.40 8.55 
			 — where claimant convicted of fraud 11.20 11.20 
			 Third party deductions personal expenses allowance 18.10 8.80 
			 PNEUMOCONIOSIS, BYSSINOSIS, AND MISCELLANEOUS DISEASES SCHEME AND THE WORKMEN'S COMPENSATION (SUPPLEMENTATION) 
			 Total disablement allowance and major incapacity allowance (maximum) 120.10 123.80 
			 Partial disablement allowance 44.35 45.70 
			 Unemployability supplement plus where appropriate increases for early incapacity 74.15 76.45 
			 higher rate 15.55 16.05 
			 middle rate 10.00 10.30 
			 lower rate 5.00 5.15 
			 Constant attendance allowance 
			 exceptional rate 96.20 99.20 
			 intermediate rate 72.15 74.40 
			 normal maximum rate 48.10 49.60 
			 part-time rate 24.05 24.80 
			 Exceptionally severe disablement allowance 48.10 49.60 
			 Lesser incapacity allowance 
			 maximum rate of allowance 44.35 45.70 
			 based on loss of earnings over 58.80 60.60 
			 STATE PENSION 
			 Category A or B 79.60 82.05 
			 Category B (lower)—husband's insurance 47.65 49.15 
			 Category C or D—non-contributory 47.65 49.15 
			 Category C (lower)—non-contributory 28.50 29.40 
			 Additional pension  Increase by3.1% 
			 Increments to:  Increase by 
			 Basic pension  3.1% 
			 Additional pension  3.1% 
			 Graduated Retirement Benefit (GRB)  3.1% 
			 Contracted-out Deduction from AP in respect of pre-April 1988 contracted-out earnings  Nil 
			 Contracted-out Deduction from AP in respect of contracted-out earnings from April 1988 to 1997  3.0% 
			 Graduated Retirement Benefit (unit) 0.0963 0.0993 
			 Graduated Retirement Benefit (Inherited)  Increase by3.1% 
			 Addition at age 80 0.25 0.25 
			 SEVERE DISABLEMENT ALLOWANCE 
			 Basic rate 44.80 46.20 
			 Age-related addition (from Dec 1990) 
			 Higher rate 15.55 16.05 
			 Middle rate 10.00 10.30 
			 Lower rate 5.00 5.15 
			 STATUTORY ADOPTION PAY 
			 Earnings threshold 79.00 82.00 
			 Rate 102.80 106.00 
			 STATUTORY MATERNITY PAY 
			 Earnings threshold 79.00 82.00 
			 Standard rate 102.80 106.00 
			 STATUTORY PATERNITY PAY 
			 Earnings threshold 79.00 82.00 
			 Rate 102.80 106.00 
			 STATUTORY SICK PAY 
			 Earnings threshold 79.00 82.00 
			 Standard rate 66.15 68.20 
			 WIDOW'S BENEFIT 
			 Widowed mother's allowance 79.60 82.05 
			 Widow's pension 
			 standard rate 79.60 82.05 
			 age-related 
			 age 54 (49) 74.03 76.31 
			 53 (48) 68.46 70.56 
			 52 (47) 62.88 64.82 
			 51 (46) 57.31 59.08 
			 50 (45) 51.74 53.33 
			 49 (44) 46.17 47.59 
			 48 (43) 40.60 41.85 
			 47 (42) 35.02 36.10 
			 46 (41) 29.45 30.36 
			 45 (40) 23.88 24.62 
			 Note: For deaths occurring before 11 April 1988 refer to age-points shown in brackets. 
			 BEREAVEMENT BENEFIT 
			 Bereavement payment (lump sum) 2,000.00 2,000.00 
			 Widowed parent's allowance 79.60 82.05 
			 Bereavement Allowance 
			 standard rate 79.60 82.05 
			 age-related 
			 age 54 74.03 76.31 
			 53 68.46 70.56 
			 52 62.88 64.82 
			 51 57.31 59.08 
			 50 51.74 53.33 
			 49 46.17 47.59 
			 48 40.60 41.85 
			 47 35.02 36.10 
			 46 29.45 30.36 
			 45 23.88 24.62